It is likely that you may experience a roller coaster of emotions. Having vasculitis can impact your mental health and well-being . Thus, it is vital that you learn some effective ways to manage the stress and emotional toll of having vasculitis. Below are some tips for managing your mental health.
- Talking with your health care team about how you are feeling. It might be difficult to talk with your health care team at first, but it is critical you do so. It is important to remember that you are the expert on how you feel. Your doctors are vasculitis experts who want to help, but they are not mind readers.
- Get professional help. You might prefer talking about some things with a professional. A counsellor/therapist or social worker can help. Most hospitals have mental health professionals who can help you cope with having vascuitis. Ask your doctor to recommend someone who works with people your age.
- Talk with loved ones. Talking with someone you trust, such as your parents, other family member, a friend, teacher, or someone in your religious community can help you sort out what you are feeling and thinking.
- Talking with other young adults and teens with vasculitis. Other people your age with vasculitis may be going through many of the same things you are. They might share your worries and concerns. They can also give you emotional support and suggest ways to cope.
- Finding support online. Talking online can sometimes be easier than talking in person. If you are younger than 18, let your parents or caregivers know before you join an online group/forum. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number.
- Writing, drawing, or creating. When you do not feel like talking, writing can help. You can write your thoughts, and feelings, in a journal or blog. Or you might prefer to draw or write a poem.
- Listen to music to help you stay calm
- If you are able, you can ask your parents to register you in a mindfulness class (e.g., yoga, pilates, Tai Chi). Engaging the mind, body and spirit can help deal with anxiety, pain and other symptoms of or side effects of treatment.